News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

August 19, 2013

There were the expected platitudes about wishing A.J. Jenkins the best, insisting that he is a promising football player and hoping that he succeeds in Kansas City. But the one 49er who came the closest to hitting the truth about why the team's former first-round pick failed in San Francisco was Vernon Davis.

Just a few days ago, Davis offered his support to Jenkins. When asked which of the team's wideouts have stood out aside from Anquan Boldin, Davis zeroed in on one, Jenkins, saying that he thought he had potential. "It's just taking him a little time, but he will get there." Davis said one week ago. "And I think he will be prepared by the start of the season."

Today Davis was asked what he'd tell Jenkins to do differently in Kansas City.

"Maybe take his approach toward the game up a notch," Davis said. "I think that might be something he can benefit from. Just take his approach up a little bit more. Go above and beyond being a professional."

Are you talking about intensity?

"Not on the field. Not his game," Davis said. "I'm just talking away from the game. As far as studying habits - I think he had good study habits when he was here. Studying, being a professional, trying to help himself as well as helping other guys, the younger guys that come in. And just owning his position, embracing it and just going to the next level. ... If he really wants it inside his heart, it will work out for him. It will pay dividends."

MATTHEW BARROWS

Matt was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green.